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Looming: meaning, definitions and examples

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looming

 

[ ˈluːmɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

approaching danger

To approach or appear as if approaching, especially in a threatening or menacing way. It can also refer to something that is about to happen, usually something negative or unwelcome.

Synonyms

approaching, impending, threatening

Examples of usage

  • The storm clouds were looming on the horizon.
  • An economic crisis is looming ahead.
  • The deadline for the project is looming closer.
Context #2 | Noun

sense of dread or anxiety

A feeling of impending danger or trouble, often accompanied by a sense of fear or unease. It can also refer to a shadow or a dark shape that appears to be approaching.

Synonyms

impending, ominous, threatening

Examples of usage

  • The looming sense of failure weighed heavily on her.
  • There was a looming darkness in the forest.

Translations

Translations of the word "looming" in other languages:

🇵🇹 iminente

🇮🇳 उभरता हुआ

🇩🇪 bevorstehend

🇮🇩 menjulang

🇺🇦 назріваючий

🇵🇱 nadciągający

🇯🇵 迫り来る

🇫🇷 imminent

🇪🇸 inminente

🇹🇷 yaklaşan

🇰🇷 다가오는

🇸🇦 وشيك

🇨🇿 hrozící

🇸🇰 hroziaci

🇨🇳 即将来临的

🇸🇮 neizbežen

🇮🇸 yfirvofandi

🇰🇿 жақындап келе жатқан

🇬🇪 მომავალი

🇦🇿 yaxınlaşan

🇲🇽 inminente

Etymology

The word 'looming' originates from the Old English word 'lōma', meaning a gleam or a ray of light. Over time, it evolved to represent something appearing indistinctly or threateningly. The modern usage of 'looming' to describe approaching danger or a sense of dread dates back to the 17th century.

See also: loom.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,879, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.